Wooden Gum Ball Machines

One of my holiday projects this year was to make three of these Gum Ball machines. One for each of my daughters and one for Chris Jenkins daughter. My Dad and I made a couple of these 30 years ago, however I made some improvements to the design for these three machines. The original plans for this project came from The Woodworkers Journal Magazine in 1991. Something that makes these special is that the black cherry wood came from a tree that was originally at the corner of my barn that was damaged in a storm a year ago. My good friend Chris Jenkins milled the logs and kiln dried the lumber for me.

Attachment 471526

It's rare I know, but even a sign maker gets to do a little wood working on occasion :)

Those are really cool, Keith. You're putting that cherry to good use. From tree to treasure...right on the homestead!

Very Nice! ...made a few gumball machines with my Dad too ...yeah let's just say 30+ years ago ;-)

Nice set of gumball machines. One question, how are the ramps attached to the sides?

Glue and a dowel pin Lee.

Keith

Very well done and a good idea for my great grandson. I am really trying to get back to doing a little small project woodworking and this fits the bill.

The gum ball machines make nice gifts that will last for many decades. My daughters have had many "discussions" concerning which one will inherit the original machine made in 1991. A 55 gallon drum of gum balls wouldn't hold the gum that has been though this machine :)

Attachment 471656

I hope that the new machines will end the confrontation and that one of the three gum ball machines will be given to my grand daughter.
(My Secret) - I cut the parts for a forth gum ball machine but don't know if I will ever assemble it. I did this because I have sworn that I will never make another one again.

I have found that swearing and woodworking go together.;)